Guadiaro River Estuary on the Costa del Sol

The Guadiaro River Estuary is a protected natural area located within the residential developments of Sotogrande on the western Costa del Sol.

To access the walks you have to come into the Sotogrande itself (km134.5) and at the first roundabout take a right and go through the urbanisations that are being built here until you pass over the Guadiaro River itself. Park up here and an information board tells you what can be found here.

The marshland here covers a relatively small area but is the only wetland on the Costa del Sol for over 100km.

Because this area is so important for the migrating birds from northern Europe over to Africa, it may surprise you to know that this wetland is a resting place for some 144 different species of migrating birds. You can also see flamingos and spoonbills. The marshy areas are mainly reeds but the trees around count tamarisk and wild olive among their number.

A lucky visitor may spot one of many otters lazing around in the waters, while the river itself is abundant in many varieties of fish and eels.

The walks consist of two wooden walkway routes taking you through the lowlands and close to where you can observe these birds in their natural environment.